Thousand Petals

Vasudevaya – Thousand Petals

Vasudevaya - Lotus Krishna

Description

“I received this song seated by a lotus pond under the full moon. It was at the beautiful rainforest sanctuary of Sachamama in Byron Bay, Australia.

The Vasudevaya mantra is sung in praise of Lord Krishna. It is a liberation mantra, and in this song the image of Krishna and his Universal Divine Light is interwoven with images of flowing water and blossoming lotus flowers – the one thousand Petals from which this album takes its name.”

Adrian Freedman

The lead vocals are sung by English singer Lua Maria, with backing vocals from a beautiful quartet of other female voices Ayla Schafer, Susie Ro, Charlotte Mabon and Helen Knight, as well as the 12-part choir of Glorious Chorus.

A special musical touch in this track comes from the glittering, rippling textures of the African kora, played by Ravi Freeman. Other musicians on the track include
Michael Stanton – octave guitar, Carlos Gomes – electric guitar, Antonio Arvind – handpan, Antonio Moscato – bass, Elahn Keshava – harmonium, and Sanju Sahai – tabla. Adrian plays shakuhachi and guitar.

“One of the great joys of this project has been to bring amazing musicians together to play and record what is in essence very simple music, but creating space for the subtle and delicate weaving of the layers of their instrumental colours, so that the voices can shine on top of their lovingly crafted musical foundation.“

Adrian Freedman

Vasudevaya, Lua and Adrian

Credits

Vasudevaya – Thousand Petals

Duration 9.24

  • Music & original lyrics by Adrian Freedman
  • Produced by Adrian Freedman
  • Mixed by Nils Olav
  • Mastered by Morgan Nicolaysen
  • Cover Painting: Clive Hedger
  • Graphic Design:  Emanuela Belovarski
  • Released by Nixi Music, Oslo

Musicians

  • Adrian Freedman – vocals, shakuhachi, guitar
  • Lua Maria – vocals
  • Susie Ro – backing vocals
  • Ayla Schafer – backing vocals
  • Charlotte Mabon – backing vocals
  • Helen Knight – backing vocals
  • Michael Stanton – guitar, octave guitar
  • Carlos Gomes – electric guitar
  • Ravi Freeman – kora
  • Antonio Arvind – pantam handpan
  • Antonio Moscato – bass
  • Elahn Keshava – harmonium
  • Sanju Sahai – tabla

Chorus

  • Helen Yeomans
  • Carlo Douglas
  • Sam Smith
  • Heather Hanrott
  • Deborah Latham
  • Milly Coulson
  • Una McGovern
  • Sue Rushforth
  • Warren Jones
  • Chris Wright
  • Lizzie Stojalowski
  • Olivia Seck    

Mantra

It is known as a mukti (liberation) mantra, and a spiritual formula for attaining freedom.

It is also known as the Dvadasakshari Mantra, which means the “twelve-syllable” mantra.

The mantra is said to be a beacon of spiritual light and a path to discovering the vastness of the spirit and the universe

Chanting the Vasudevaya mantra is believed to help people realise their true nature, overcome negative tendencies, and develop devotional and love.

The new lyrics for this fresh setting of the mantra present imagery of Krishna and his Universal Divine Light interwoven with images of flowing water and blossoming lotus flowers – the one thousand Petals from which the album takes its name.

Om Namoh Bhagavate Vasudevaya

Translation:
Om, I bow to Lord Vāsudeva (Krishna)

Bowing to Vāsudeva symbolizes letting go of ego and embracing the universal soul, leading to spiritual enlightenment and inner peace.

The mantra originates from the ancient texts of the Puranas.

Vasudevaya Painting

Lyrics

& chords

Vasudevaya – Thousand Petals

Om Namo Bhagavate
Vasudevaya

Listen to the waters
Feel the flow
Hear the divine call

Queen of the Waters
Queen of the Moon
Queen of the divine flow

Lotuses arising
Into the light
Purple, pink and gold

A thousand petals opening
Into the light
As the divine flower unfolds

Jai Sri Krishna
Govinda
Divine light in all

Om Namo Bhagavate
Vasudevaya

Lyrics and Chords